1989 Jaguar XJS vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Jaguar XJS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Jaguar XJS would be higher. At 6,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS (575 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 284 more horse power than 1989 Jaguar XJS. (291 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS should accelerate faster than 1989 Jaguar XJS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 266 kg more than 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS (649 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Jaguar XJS. (440 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Jaguar XJS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Jaguar XJS | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XJS | SLS |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5343 cc | 6300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 291 HP | 575 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1930 kg | 1664 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4638 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 2075 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1261 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2680 mm |
